Gilded figurehead from the USS Smith Briggs

Gilded figurehead from the USS Smith Briggs

Courtesy of Lee Poe Images

Confederate soldier Joseph Chapman Norsworthy stripped this gilded figurehead from the pilot house of the USS Smith Briggs before it exploded in the Pagan River. It's now on view in the historic Isle of Wight Court House on Main Street in Smithfield.

Confederate soldier Joseph Chapman Norsworthy stripped this gilded figurehead from the pilot house of the USS Smith Briggs before it exploded in the Pagan River. It's now on view in the historic Isle of Wight Court House on Main Street in Smithfield. (Courtesy of Lee Poe Images)

Confederate soldier Joseph Chapman Norsworthy stripped this gilded figurehead from the pilot house of the USS Smith Briggs before it exploded in the Pagan River. It's now on view in the historic Isle of Wight Court House on Main Street in Smithfield.Courtesy of Lee Poe Images